syllabus

Mechanical Engineering 351 - Computer-Aided Modeling

Winter Quarter 2004-05
2-5 R in BH 301 and 8-9:15 F in BH 302

Course Topics:Construction of virtual systems models using constructive solid geometry, swept volumes and trimmed parametric surfaces with engineering applications.

INSTRUCTOR:     Dr. David Hall            PHONE:      (318) 257-4127
OFFICE:         BH 255                    e-mail:     dhall@engr.latech.edu
OFFICE HOURS:   See my home page

TEXTBOOKS: Parametric Modeling with I-DEAS 10 by Randy Shih, Schroff, ISBN: 1-58503-141-0 and Introduction to Finite Element Analysis using I-DEAS 10 by Randy Shih, Schroff, ISBN: 1-58503-142-9.

SPECIAL SUPPLIES NEEDED: Each student must provide a ZIP disk (either 100 MB or 250 MB) or USB keychain storage device for storing model files. (It would be a good idea to have two ZIP disks--one for primary storage and one for backup.) All files saved on the computer hard disk are subject to deletion at any time. Please do not save part files on the hard disk. You may wish to save your part files on your network E: drive, but network storage space is limited to 25 MB per user. Always keep copies of your part files on your ZIP drive. It is your responsibility to maintain your own file backups. Losing a data file because of a computer malfunction is not a valid excuse for late or missing assignments.

GRADING:

        Classroom Homework and Pop Quizzes              15%
        Laboratory Homework and Pop Quizzes             15%
        End of course I-DEAS skills exam                30%
        Exam 1                                          20%
        Exam 2                                          20% 

GRADING SCALE:

        A       90 - 100%       (highest degree of excellence)
        B       80 - 89%        (superior)
        C       70 - 79%        (average)
        D       60 - 69%        (minimum quality of work to receive course credit)
        F       < 60%           (failure)

Note: The lower limit in each grade range may be lowered slightly such that the division between letter grades occur at any large gaps in the grade spectrum. This adjustment will be determined only after the final averages are computed and may or may not alter the grade scale.

HOMEWORK AND LAB ASSIGNMENTS:

One homework or laboratory assignment will be given per class or laboratory period. These assignments can be accessed from the ME 351 web page.
Homework assignments are due at the beginning of the class period (unless otherwise noted). Late homework WILL NOT be accepted.
Discussion of homework problems among students is encouraged. However, any exchange of written information or computer files regarding the homework problems is considered cheating. In accordance with Louisiana Tech University policy, this may include expulsion from the course with a grade of "F".
Homework and Lab Assignments must be neat and legible (the required format will often be given with the assignment).

EXAMS AND POP QUIZZES:

One side of a 8 1/2 x 11 inch formula sheet may be used during exams. Only formulas and constants are allowed on this sheet. Your formula sheet is to be turned in with your exam.
Pop quizzes will be given at various times throughout the quarter. The purpose of these unannounced pop quizzes is to encourage attendance, group interaction, and to check that the reading assignment was completed.

ATTENDANCE:

Regular and punctual class attendance is expected (refer to the 2004-05 bulletin regarding attendance).
An unexcused absence for a pop quiz or examination will result in a zero grade for that test.

**TENTATIVE SCHEDULE**
Class Period	Tentative Date	Topic	Assignment
1	R - Dec 2	Course overview and policies. Structured view of the engineering design process LAB 1: The I-DEAS user interface, fundamental part construction techniques
2	F - Dec 3	Mathematical formulations for 2D graphics, Bezier curves
3	R - Dec 9	LAB 2: Simple machine part modeling using the BORN technique.
4	F - Dec 10	2D and 3D geometric transformations
5	R - Dec 16	LAB 3: Axisymmetric part modeling using the pattern construction tool
6	F - Dec 17	More parametric curves and transformation operations
7	R - Jan 6	LAB 4: Lofted and swept part design
8	F - Jan 7	Design optimization
9	R - Jan 13	Exam 1 (first hour of lab period) LAB 5: Part Assemblies
10	F - Jan 14	Geometric dimensioning and tolerancing - Parts 1 and 2
11	R - Jan 20	LAB 6: Motion Simulation
12	F - Jan 21	Geometric dimensioning and tolerancing - Parts 3 through 5
13	R - Jan 27	LAB 7: Generative machining
14	F - Jan 28	Introduction to Finite Element Analysis
15	R - Feb 3	LAB 8: Generative Machining
16	R - Feb 10	LAB 9: Finite Element Analysis of Trusses
17	F - Feb 11	Using Mathcad for finite element truss analysis
18	R - Feb 17	LAB 10: Finite element analysis of shells and solids
19	F - Feb 18	Final Exam
20	R - Feb 24	End of course I-DEAS skills exam (2-4 pm and 4-6 pm) (class divided and students given 1 hour and 50 minutes to finish exam)